5 Ways to Celebrate Thanksgiving in West Virginia

Thanksgiving is the perfect time for families to come together and fill their bellies, and in West Virginia, there are also ways to fill the heart. From chasing waterfalls to enjoying cozy cabin stays, Almost Heaven will have you feeling even more thankful this season.

Whether you’re looking for a different way to celebrate or traveling solo during the holiday, these five ideas will help you put a Mountain State twist on this year’s Thanksgiving.

Chase Waterfalls

Need to burn off some Thanksgiving turkey calories or just want a breath of fresh air? Uncover hidden waterfalls on the West Virginia Waterfall Trail. Tucker County is home to Blackwater Falls, a 57-foot waterfall with “black” waters stained by fallen hemlock needles. If you’re in the Northern Panhandle, head to Oglebay and hike on the Falls Vista Trail to Oglebay Falls. You’ll also love the sight of Kanawha Falls and Cathedral Falls, located along Route 60 near the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.

Gather at West Virginia State Parks

Are you craving all the staple Thanksgiving dishes and more but want to pass on all the prepping? Take your family and friends to a West Virginia State Park for a Thanksgiving Day Buffet. Get a taste for traditional favorites as well as chef-inspired dinner items. Upcoming dinner locations include Bluestone State Park, Blackwater Falls State Park, Hawks Nest State Park, Cacapon Resort State Park, Chief Logan State Park, Tygart Lake State Park and North Bend State Park. Ensure availability for each state park as reservations are recommended or required.

Stay in a Cozy Cabin

Are you looking to prepare a home-cooked Thanksgiving dinner – but not at home? Get cozy in a cabin and make dinner admidst unmatched scenery. Blackwater Falls State Park has 39 fully furnished cabins. Find the perfect cabin to accommodate your family and friends. North Bend State Park has vacation cabins open year-round and atop a secluded ridge. After Thanksgiving dinner, enjoy a hike or stay warm for some quality family time. See the beautiful vista at Pipestem Resort State Park If you prefer adventure, visit Falls Trail at Twin Falls Resort State Park to view the iconic falls. With Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins, choose from 20 riverside luxury cabin rentals near the Seneca Rocks-Spruce Knob National Recreation Area.

Start Holiday Shopping

The days after Thanksgiving are perfect for shopping for holiday gifts – whether for Black Friday or Small Business Saturday. Visit Lewisburg , and make a day of your shopping excursion with boutique shops, delicious restaurants and must-see sites. Enjoy the sights and shop for clothing, jewelry and artisan goods at Wolf Creek Gallery, Studio 40 and several other local shops. Visit Tamarack Marketplace for artisan crafts and goods from all 55 West Virginia counties and sink your teeth into a homemade pepperoni roll. Try the regional cuisine and find an art demonstration while you’re there. The Tamarack has holiday gifts for everyone on your list, and you can take a photo for your family’s Christmas card on the Almost Heaven Swing!

Go Off-Roading

Snow or no snow, the Hatfield-McCoy Trail Systems boasts epic off-roading adventures for everyone. With 11 trail systems in the region, this trail network has a path for you. The Devil Anse Trailhead is located in Matewan, which totals more than 300 miles of trails. Located near Ashland in McDowell County, the Indian Ridge Trail System offers a variety of trails for riders of all levels. This trail system provides easy access to the ATV-friendly towns of Northfork and Keystone. One of the most popular systems is Rock House, one of three original systems and features over 100 miles of trails of diverse terrain and difficulty levels. No matter what trail you take, you’ll find adventure around every bend.

There is plenty to be thankful for in Almost Heaven. Request our free West Virginia Vacation Guide to plan more exciting adventures this season.

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This post was last updated on November 25, 2024